Welcome to my read-through of Bakuman Chapter 150: Selfishness and Favor in which the final battle is here, the guard is shifting, and the mood is exciting.

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Selfishness and Favor Summary

Wasted Potential and Realized Potential

Picking up directly from the previous chapter, Nanamine tears up his PCP poster, shouting his frustration. Kosugi rubs salt in the wound: he lost and’ll never work in Jump. Nanamine huffs in frustration.

Kosugi asks if that’s okay with him, though. The editor-in-chief said that he could change his mind depending on Nanamine’s attitude. If Nanamine works with him, Kosugi will talk with him and try to get another chance.

Nanamine tells him to piss off; he’ll never work with a worthless editor like him.

Kosugi departs Shinjitsu, musing on Nanamine’s final potshot: Kosugi may truly be worthless for never having gotten to teach Nanamine the most important parts of making manga. He laments the loss of such wasted potential.

Meanwhile, Ashirogi discuss Nanamine’s final downfall. He’s a talented guy with skill and ambition who misused his passion. What a waste.

Saiko finishes drawing and decides to leave Nanamine in the rearview. He’s got good news: they managed to put together an excellent chapter in addition to their usual workload, which means that they finally have the skills to produce a new one-shot!

Woo.

They’re now ready to make the mainstream battle manga they’ve wanted to do forever with a cult-hit type of main character!

Try saying that five times fast.

They’re aiming to make something even better than PCP and make sure they keep their popularity up. They’ll make a manga the editorial team can’t refuse.

Shujin asks to see the character designs. Saiko has generated a number, but he’s still not married to any of them. But Shujin thinks it’s more than enough to get started. He’ll use one to create a dark hero that will stand out next to Eiji’s mainstream characters. He asks to take the designs home to study.

Hiramaru’s Back

At Hiramaru’s studio, Yoshida is suspicious of Hiramaru’s miraculous recovery from his back injury. Hiramaru thinks that his back pain comes and goes easily—a “witch’s shot” from the dark ages.

Also, he mentions his deal with Aoki from the previous chapter and believes that his exclusion from the magazine helped get Azuma third place; he should get some credit for the save.

Yoshida rightfully points out that he had nothing to do with that; that was all Azuma, but the Kazutan hopeful is banking on Aoki thinking differently as he calls her up.

Aoki answers him as Hiramaru.

Instant Kill. Yoshida is pleased; Hiramaru is horrified; and Aoki is baffled.

Changing of the Guard

At Shueisha, Sasaki personally congratulates Hattori on Ashirogi’s success. Hattori credits Sasaki’s advice on the matter. He wonders if letting Nanamine go is truly the thing to do, though; letting it go at fourth is extreme.

Sasaki says it’s his last selfish call as Editor-In-Chief.

Wait wat.

Hattori doesn’t understand, but Sasaki dismisses the statement entirely.

Miura, though, having zero chill, picks up the subtext: SASAKI’S QUITTING.

Like a bull in a china shop, Mira asks Aida if they’re getting a new chief. Aida tells him, politely, to shut the fuck up. Aida quietly explains to him that they’re starting Hissho Jump in April and that the rumor is Sasaki asked to be transferred himself. But it’s only a rumor. It was mentioned at a meeting by the higher-ups.

Miura sees a pattern of him being nicer lately. He even compliments Miura on Mikata’s Justice directly, which he never does!

I think Miura might be conflating things, a skosh.

However, Hattori noticed that getting direct advice was also unlike him.

Aida continues: the official announcement is on February 15th, and the transition will occur on March 1st. He can’t say it will turn out. Editor bowl-cut picks up that other transfers will also be going on.

Uh-oh.

Mikata’s Justice and +Natural are doing well, Miura’s not on the chopping block, right?

Actually, maybe not Uh-Oh.

Kosugi listens in mute horror.

Aida calms them down: It’s just a shift for the new magazine. It won’t be as big a deal as the one coming up in June.

Uh-oh.

The New Editor-In-Chief is…

On February 15th, Torishima (long time no see) comes to the office and invites Sasaki to his. The other editors panic at the sight, but Aida just confirms that they’re getting a new editor-in-chief.

The younger editors panic at the sight of the highest of the high coming directly to pick up Sasaki. They’re all intimidated by him. He calls Nakano to join as well.

Miura shouts out his wonder: Is Nakano going to be the new editor in chief?!

Everyone gets up in arms about that: a captain can’t skip the line.

Nakano comes back, and they all want to know if he’s gotten the crown. Of course not. Nakano asks for Heishi. Oh shit. They remember that Yu-Gi-Oh! was extremely popular and he’s started more series than any other editor in Jump.

Aida, Yoshida, and another captain whose name I forgot all start wondering who will be promoted to deputy editor-in-chief. If Heishi gets the spot, then it will be up for grabs.

They wonder if that’s why Nakano was called in. Nakano himself is quiet.

The next day, Aida and Yujiro are in great spirits. Miura lays out the new org chart: Sasaki and Nakano have been sent over to Hissho Jump; Heishi is now editor-in-chief, and Aida is the deputy editor. Yujiro chimes in that he’s a captain now.

Oh snap.

Yoshida’s editors worry about the changing of the guard since Heishi is so cool-headed. Even Yoshida hasn’t seen Heishi smile even once at the news. Yamahisa respects him for that, though.

Sasaki takes Yujiro aside. He wants to talk to Eiji the next day. He’s not going to be able to talk to all the mangaka, but he wants to thank the young creators personally.

Abruptly, Heishi makes a dramatic exit, and everyone admires how cool he is. Those who become editor-in-chief are just cool like that.

As he gets to his apartment, Heishi, adorably, breaks out in an enormous grin and runs over to his adoring wife, announcing proudly that he’s been promoted. His wife is thrilled at the news and prepared all his favorite food when she heard. They have a lovely feast and toast to his success.

Actually so fucking cute. Oh my god.

Sasaki’s Goodbye Tour: Eiji

The Next Day, Sasaki and Yujiro explain Sasaki’s transition and Yujiro’s promotion. Eiji stops his usual nonsense and makes an extremely formal—yet also in character—bow and thanks them for everything.

Eiji was thrilled when Sasaki came to Aomori to meet him that one time. YUjiro’s astonished that it’s been 8 years since that day. Good times.

Sasaki initially found Eiji presumptuous (that’s putting it mildly). He couldn’t forget his request to end a series if he became the number one creator. At this point, it’s undeniable that Eiji is a leading representative of Jump, and Ssaki is counting on him to keep up the good work.

Eiji denies it: He’s not truly Number One yet, but he will create the greatest manga in the world. He then brings out his globes that say “best in the world,” but Yujiro plays interference. Sasaki takes a beat to think about it.

He lets Eiji know he has no concerns for his future. Even as Editor-In-Chief for the new magazine, he’ll watch over him.

Eiji is cool with that, but has an unspecified request.

Truly Happy and Taro’s Request

The Next day, Saiko and Shujin furiously clean the studio in anticipation of Sasaki coming over. They’re both nervous even if Hattori is coming with him.

Saiko remembers all the times they’ve caused trouble for him, like the hospital, or the ending of Tanto and the treasure rookie award…

They’re even more freaked out now. Shujin remembers how they were called Troublemakers, and Saiko thinks this will be a good opportunity to apologize. The doorbell rings.

They thank Sasaki for everything, but Sasaki gets distracted by the studio. He excuses himself and thanks them for the hard work.

Sasaki has a moment and then mentions it’s been twenty years, and it doesn’t smell of cigarettes anymore. Shujin misses the subtext and mentions they don’t smoke.

This goober.

Saiko remembers that Sasaki was Taro’s editor for a long time, including on Super Hero Legend.

The group has tea, and Sasaki mentions that he decided to keep something to himself as long as he was the editor-in-chief at Jump. He believes now is the time to share this information with Saiko. Taro gave him one special request: take care of Saiko should he ever become a mangaka.

Saiko’s surprised to learn that Taro even told the editor-in-chief about him.

At the time, Sasaki thought it was a joke. Not everyone can become a mangaka. So it came as genuine surprise when he saw two middle schoolers meeting Hattori for the first time, one was Taro’s nephew.

He was truly happy.

This is fucking me up.

As a result of this, it was hard to keep his cool with the two of them, their hijinks notwithstanding. He apologizes to them.

The boys apologize to him for causing so much trouble and being so selfish.

Sasaki wouldn’t go that far. He acknowledges that the hiatus for Detective Trap was excessive, and the same with PCP. He thanks them for putting up with his difficult demands. They’re okay with it. It’s because of him that they made it this far. They thank him sincerely for all he’s done for them.

Sasaki takes it in good humor: he’s not dying after all. He brings it back: their effort led to their success. They’ve become truly wonderful creators. He’s delighted.

But not just them, but Eiji, Fukuda, Takahama, and others who have spread their wings. Sassaki feels confident moving to Hissho Jump that he’s done all he can. He also acknowledges that because of his connection to Taro, he sees Ashirogi as special to him (aww), and that’s why he felt the need to apologize directly.

He won’t deny it if others feel as though they’ve been given special treatment. He doesn’t think they’ve been pampered, though.

The boys finally acknowledge that Sasaki gave them a leg up, all things considered. He led the way for them. Sasaki’s amused by that: he doesn’t know if that’s his place.

He placed them next to Taro, but they realize he’s not their rival or goal. But Eiji Nizuma is.

Ba bam.

Sasaki recognizes their epic rivalry and that if anyone could beat Eiji, it would be those two boys. Sasaki thinks he’s playing favorites again. But the boys are determined to prove that his faith in them is not misplaced or out of favoritism.

Sasaki will be counting on them to do that. He decided to leave with Hattori in tow. The boys thank him for coming, and he mentions one more thing about Nizuma.

He’ll be having his new work ready for show before Sasaki officially steps down.

The boys are shocked: Eiji’s getting ready for a new series.

Meanwhile, at Eiji Co, Ltd, Yujiro is asking if Nizuma has really come up with a new series or if he was feeding Sasaki a line.

Eiji has his next idea ready.

It’s going to be a super cool dark hero.

OH SHIT

On that note, the chapter concludes.

Selfishness and Favor Reaction

Oh Hell Yeah

There is a lot to dissect in this chapter, but I love the “unexpected master of the story who is no longer going to be a player is giving the pep talk to the protagonist before the final battle about what to expect.” It is one of my favorite mini-beats, and it never fails to satisfy.

And with this chapter and the official conclusion to the stand-alone arc—the battle ended last chapter, but this is the denouement (what a fancy term)—we have the final and perhaps most important callback that also serves as a bridge to what is undoubtedly the final arc.

I never feel sad at this juncture in a story, when the normal narrative starts buckling under its own weight and the way the story is told gives way to the climactic final battle. I always feel the steady thrum of anticipation about the battles to come. But I will admit it is always a little scary or tense as these moments finally give way to the concluding arcs.

Because there is a pregnant sense in the way they are constructed — the knowledge of a scouring storm on the horizon that will wipe away the status quo as everything falls apart.

If I were to create a term for it, it might be the death of Baldr trope.

Baldr

I swear this is relevant, but I’m spitting and on fire.

In the Voluspa – the narrative of Ragnarok in the Poetic Edda – the signal that the twilight of the gods is upon us is Baldr’s death at the hands of the holly tree after the holly tree – Baldr’s only weakness – is tricked into killing him by Loki, the god of mischief.

In the story, Baldr is the “best of men,” whose death signals that everything will fall apart. And all the major gods in the pantheon of Norse mythology are to fight – and, importantly, die – at the hands of the Jotun (frost giants) in a world-engulfing cataclysm that results in painful death and sorrow. But after the pantheon – and the jotun too – are killed, the world is reborn anew.

I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that Sasaki could be read as the Baldr-type figure, just like All Might is unambiguously the best of men in My Hero Academia. Their fall signals the end times.

But though I’m referring to an undercurrent of darkness and tension that speaks of storms on the horizon, there is also something satisfying and enabling in this little moment: recognition.

Because, you see, this trope also signals that the protagonists have finally done all the necessary preparations, which they have gathered throughout the story, to finally overcome the final villain and whatever trials may stand between them and their ultimate goal. They have proven themselves worthy of the fight to come, and though it will be difficult, and they will be on their back heel through all of it, they will, when all is said and done, prevail, by hook or by crook.

Wow. I got poetic there for a minute. Let’s reel it back into something a little more tonally consistent with this read-through.

I loved Sasaki’s final bit in the studio. It fucking got me man. But I am iffy on the final callback and it’s one fo the pitfalls of using this narrative styling

Coincidence Turns Into Fate

So while I love that sasaki was Taro’s editor- I don’t remember if we ever had that explicitly mentioned, but holy shit what a time to mention it – and I love that Taro had special instructions to have his boy protected, this verges on too convenient to enjoy entirely. It ties into a familiar dynamic that you find in long-term storytelling where increasing connections between the main character and the main villain stretch the limits of believability, and things that were once just random chance stop being random chance.

I don’t think anyone is actually going to accuse Sasaki of having a soft spot for Ashirogi, although I guess you could see it that way if you find the trope of the master who is harsh on a few particular students because they show particular promise to be a fun one, which I do.

But I don’t know, man. Ashirogi deserves their fair share of credit for all the bullshit they pulled. The way this part of the story is framed makes it seem like Sasaki just willingly put up with it and was harsh on them for no reason, which is simply untrue. They pulled so much bullshit to get where they are, which is why we were even able to allow Nanamine to debate their morality in his introduction.

The only one I buy, truly, is Detective Trap being cancelled. That one is the only one that truly makes sense to me because it feels like a genuine character beat of someone who wants what’s best for someone whose relative literally died making manga.

Other than that, I think the idea that Sasaki was playing favorites is a bit overblown.

But what I do want to say is that I still find the emotional weight of this meeting to be so special and consequential – yes, I teared up again – because of the real MVP of this arc.

Taro Kawaguchi

As we’ve discussed repeatedly in his arc specifically and in previous parts of the story where his hand was felt, this whole arc did Taro justice as a character and really used the arc’s gimmick to great effect.

My respect for Taro shot up immensely. Because he’s a character we’ll only ever get glimpses of. He’s a character who is felt by his absence, which makes him a hard character to latch onto, and an even harder character to get behind talking about. But he persistently shows up in this arc, leaving a huge impact.

It’s moving to see the people he touched be impacted not by his ability to be a good mangaka or his work ethic, but by his basic decency. It kills me that Taro isn’t even Saiko’s father, but he’s such a surrogate father figure—outside of Hattori, but at this point Hattori is basically just shy of their senpai—and that he cares so much for his kin that he would go to such lengths to protect and encourage him.

It’s fucking beautiful man.

And I also like how this humanizes Sasaki. Who has been one of my favorite characters since his introduction in…chapter, like 6, or something. He’s always been a favorite. But he’s always been a stern, distant presence. So to see him get some humanity added to him and some contour, some rounding out. I applaud how it has been handled,

Which segues nicely into a different type of meta topic, and a discussion of the rest of the chapter, which I have so far neglected.

These Editors are Real People

I assume most of you are aware of this, but these editors are, for the most part, based on real-life counterparts. Sasaki and Torishima were both real editors; Hattori is based on Jean-Baptiste Hattori. Aida is the editor of Bakuman et al.

So, to some degree, I wonder how much of my shit talk about Yoshida reflects the real person. I don’t really know him personally, so I assume he’s just… like, an editor or something. But yeah, his character in this manga—not him—is garbo, and that lends some unique qualities to this stretch.

But the fun one is the changing of the guard, which I admit, caught me totally flat-footed, but in hindsight makes total sense. When you have no skin in the game, it’s easy to be looser with your tongue, and Sasaki giving hints to his favorite boys is a huge tip-off.

But Heishi is based on the guy who popularized Yu-Gi-Oh! and that really reminded me of the fact that these are real people who are really passionate about manga.

I say this because last year, while I was on Instagram, I saw Sasaki’s real-life counterpart on Viz Media. He was advertising that they are now allowing people to submit one-shots digitally through Viz Media for a chance at publication on the app.

I have been pondering my artistic goals: Do I want to pursue film full-time? Do I want to pursue music? Do I want to make manga?

The answer is yes to all of them. But I think I’m approaching a more definite preference for one over the other. I still have ideas for one-shots that I want to realize.

I am also literally making a movie and if you donate to it you are my favorite. Just sayin’.

So I think, by the end of this read-through, I’d like to submit my one-shot to Viz Media and have them publish it on their app because I love it.

And that the fact that I resonate with Sasaki so strongly that it felt like kismet.

Will I be able to do it? I don’t know. And maybe their submission requirements will change before I get the opportunity. But I feel like Azuma; I’m not sure I have a series in me, but if I could get a one-shot published in Viz, that would make me so proud of myself for pursuing such a wonderful art form.

Stay tuned, but don’t hold your breath.

But anyway, getting out of the real world. Seeing Heishi and knowing all these people are real makes me reflect on this story and its power. Especially when we got the incredible reveal that Heishi is privately a huge softie and wife-guy, that was straight-up incredible. It’s such a sweet, warm moment for an otherwise cold character.

I also have to speculate what this will mean for the final arc; both Sasaki’s transfer and Heishi’s promotion. Because, speaking of the new editor-in-chief

Jump Just Had A Changing of the Guard.

This just happened in the real world last year as well. Yu Saito became the head of Jump after Hiroyuki Nakano stepped down in July.

What’s interesting is that Yu got his start as a rom-com manga maker. He was one of the editors on We Never Learn (I love me some shameless goofball harem romcoms, sue me). And lately, one genre that has been getting a lot of play is Rom-Coms.

There is Syd Craft (RIP), Hima-Ten (which is we never learn and nisekoi combined), which just came out. While they’re still catering to exorcists and battle stuff, there has been a noticeable trend in what kind of manga they are seeking out. This is not just because consumption trends are changing and circulation is shrinking.

So I think the fact that Heishi is now the editor-in-chief is actually going to have some pretty significant ramifications for the final arc. Will he be lenient on the two series in one magazine thing, as Sasaki? Will he cut the boys so much slack?

I’m inclined to say no. I’m also inclined to say that he’s going to make choices for the boy’s future that will make it much harder for them to do the things they want.

So I think this is one of those wait and see plot developments, but now that he’s in charge, shit is going to roll downhill from him and we’re going to have to assume it will impact the boys.

Speaking of

The Rivals Both Got Final Meetings

While I found the final meeting between Ashirogi and Sasaki infinitely more poignant—just look at that panel of Sasaki taking in Taro’s old studio man, chef’s kiss—I think it’s also worth noting that his meeting with Eiji was a lovely little send-off and reminder of just how much has changed since the start of the story.

Which is also one of the things I love about this little beat: the pause where we reflect on how far we’ve come. Narratively, it’s been 8 years, and in the real world, it’s been almost as long.

I have changed significantly, and seeing how Eiji is genuinely grateful for everything Sasaki did for him. Even coming to visit him when he was lonely.

But yeah, it’s relevant that Sasaki meets with the two rivals who are fated to finally duel and overcome one another. Just as Ashirogi prepares to make the work for which they will get super popular.

It’s glorious to witness.

I feel close to that myself, on some creative fronts. So, again, this feels meta.

But damn, it is nice to see

And with this, the final battle truly begins.

I’m so excited to see what happens next.

Until next time,

peace

Stray Thoughts:

–I didn’t talk about it, but Nanamine is done. Will he come back? I think the fact that Sasaki has left Jump means that he could, theoretically, move over to Hissho Jump at some point – unless it’s like the Jump Square stuff and Koogy so long ago and is just a footnote. But other than that, I’m not sad to see him go, although it’s disappointing that he had to go out the way he did. Kosugi had the right of it.

–I didn’t mention Hiramaru in either of these chapters, but everything surrounding him was gold. He continues to be hysterical in a way I can tolerate because it’s not at the expense of a woman and purely at the expense of him being a lazy good for nothing dipshit. More of this, please. I also like his unintentional save with a back injury.

-Miura wondering if he’s going to get fired got my hopes up. God, I hope Miura gets his ass axed sooner rather than later. I’m tired, bro.

peace